The second Central Oregon Multi Agency Traffic (MAT) Team detail has been set for Friday May 25. Officers from the Bend and Redmond Police Departments, Oregon State Troopers, and Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing speed violations, and other observed violations along several stretches of Highway 97 from south of Lava Butte to the Rex T. Barber Memorial Bridge north of Terrebonne.

If weather conditions are conducive the Oregon State Police will have one of their planes in the air above the enforcement areas assisting the officers on the ground by watching for motorists committing additional violations.

Additionally, the Oregon State Police Office in Bend is trying to coordinate this enforcement effort with their Office in Madras as well as other law enforcement agencies in Jefferson County, so the enforcement area would be widened to include areas of Highway 97 both north and south of Madras.

The MAT Team was created to increase public awareness about the hazards of aggressive driving, and the dangers associated with violations of traffic laws related to public safety. The traffic violations specifically being targeted are directly related to the increasing numbers of motor vehicle crashes involving injuries and fatalities.

Friday, May 25th was specifically selected as the date for the second MAT Team detail because it precedes the traditionally dangerous Memorial Day Weekend.